News for '-free'

India Will Continue To Buy Russian Oil

India Will Continue To Buy Russian Oil

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'No one can or will bar India from pursuing its energy goals as it wishes.' 'The US FTA wording may sound more restrictive, but the underlying reality will not undermine India's sovereign energy decisions.'

Ready For Bridgerton Season 4?

Ready For Bridgerton Season 4?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Benedict Bridgerton romances Sophie Baek in the new season of the Netflix series, Bridgerton.

I'll celebrate Kohli's wicket by touching his feet'

I'll celebrate Kohli's wicket by touching his feet'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

"I'll touch his feet": Punjab Kings' new signing Vishal Nishad reveals his humble celebration plan for Virat Kohli's wicket

U-19 World Cup: Confident India face stern England test in final

U-19 World Cup: Confident India face stern England test in final

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

India would bank on its swashbuckling batting line-up when it takes on a gritty England in what promises to be an evenly-matched final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup.

Ex-bus conductor, paediatrician among 45 Padma Shri 'unsung heroes'

Ex-bus conductor, paediatrician among 45 Padma Shri 'unsung heroes'

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

India announces Padma Shri awards for 45 individuals, recognizing 'unsung heroes' like a former bus conductor who created the world's largest free library and a pediatrician who established Asia's first human milk bank.

Is Benedict Bridgerton's Romance With Sophie Charming?

Is Benedict Bridgerton's Romance With Sophie Charming?

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

While season 1 and 2 had the most sizzling chemistry between the lead pair, the Bridgerton series hasn't peaked since Kate and Anthony. With Benedict and Sophie, the spark and intensity feels further subdued, observes Divya Nair.

Union Budget 2026: Fiscal deficit target set at 4.3%

Union Budget 2026: Fiscal deficit target set at 4.3%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a fiscal deficit target of 4.3% of GDP for FY27, continuing the path of fiscal consolidation. The government aims to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to 55.6% by BE 2026-27 and further to around 50% by March 2031.

A long-game Budget

A long-game Budget

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Union Budget for 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, which was a first, had an excellent domestic macro backdrop. According to the first advance estimates, gross domestic product (GDP) in constant prices is projected to grow 7.4 per cent in the current financial year, against 6.5 per cent in 2024-25.

Modi's Message to Students: Prioritise Skills, Limit Internet Use

Modi's Message to Students: Prioritise Skills, Limit Internet Use

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

While talking to students during Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Everyone has their own pattern. Some people study better in the morning, some at night. Whatever suits you, believe in that. But also take advice and, if that benefits you, then only add it to your life structure."

What Will Xi Jinping Do Next With All That Power?

What Will Xi Jinping Do Next With All That Power?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

'For the first time in a hundred years, the army has been taken out of the political equation. And for the first time ever, there is only one man who calls the shots. Not even Mao had this kind of power.'

Epstein files: Bill Gates sought pills to treat STD

Epstein files: Bill Gates sought pills to treat STD

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Epstein claimed this was due to the consequences of 'sex with Russian girls'.

Budget 2026's tax proposals weave a strategic vision

Budget 2026's tax proposals weave a strategic vision

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The proposals outlined in Budget 2026-27 represent a carefully crafted, multi-year strategy designed to strengthen India's big bets on the path to Viksit Bharat 2047, says Sameer Gupta.

Gaming Addiction: The Risks For Teens

Gaming Addiction: The Risks For Teens

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Experts warn of the dangers of online gaming addiction among adolescents, citing limited social interaction, blurred realities and the potential for tragic outcomes. Recent incidents highlight the need for awareness and intervention.

Two Maoists carrying Rs 7 lakh bounty killed in Chhattisgarh encounter

Two Maoists carrying Rs 7 lakh bounty killed in Chhattisgarh encounter

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Two Naxalites, carrying a collective reward of Rs 7 lakh, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. The operation was launched based on inputs about the presence of Maoist cadres in the area.

Which Of These Gorgeous Animal Pix Do You Like?

Which Of These Gorgeous Animal Pix Do You Like?

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The Natural History Museum, London, has officially unveiled the 24-image shortlist for the 2026 Nuveen People's Choice Award. This prestigious contest, a key part of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and supported by lead sponsor Nuveen, invites the public to decide which image will be crowned the winner.

Ahead of polls TN offers free meals for sanitation workers

Ahead of polls TN offers free meals for sanitation workers

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has launched a free nutritious meals scheme for sanitation workers in Chennai, with plans to expand it statewide. The initiative aims to improve their working conditions and health, acknowledging their essential service.

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra municipal elections showed a troubling shift, where votes were traded for cash, convictions no longer mattered, and ideology became an afterthought, observes Ramesh Menon.

Explained: How FTA with EU will help boost India's exports

Explained: How FTA with EU will help boost India's exports

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

India and the European Union (EU) on Tuesday announced the conclusion and finalisation of negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA).

WTA backs players' call for privacy after Gauff camera row

WTA backs players' call for privacy after Gauff camera row

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The WTA has backed players' demands for greater privacy at tournaments after footage of Coco Gauff smashing her racket off court at the Australian Open sparked debate over camera use in player areas.

11 World Leaders And Their Pets

11 World Leaders And Their Pets

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Animal companions are often excellent publicity vehicles for politicians and leaders.

BJP MP displays artificial legs in RS, appeals to Opposition

BJP MP displays artificial legs in RS, appeals to Opposition

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

BJP MP C Sadanandan Master addressed the Rajya Sabha, appealing for unity and highlighting the government's achievements while raising concerns about migration in Kerala.

Gandhi Talks Review: Underwhelming

Gandhi Talks Review: Underwhelming

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The fact that a major studio put out a silent film starring some of the biggest names in the industry in these concerning times for the film business is the one big takeaway from Gandhi Talks, notes Arjun Menon.

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Naming an airport after Guru Ravidas is not just about a name, it shows that Dalit communities want respect, equal treatment, and freedom from unfair caste rules in religion and society.

Pune civic polls: Ajit Pawar, Supriya Sule share stage

Pune civic polls: Ajit Pawar, Supriya Sule share stage

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

The Nationalist Congress Party, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar, headed by his uncle Sharad Pawar, on Saturday released a joint manifesto for the upcoming elections to the Pune municipal corporation.

Economic Survey says US tariffs are 'most disruptive' in global economy

Economic Survey says US tariffs are 'most disruptive' in global economy

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

India must focus on building enduring national capabilities and economic sovereignty in the face of shrinking space for rules-based trading, anti-immigrant stance, weaponization of energy sources and growing use of export controls in critical sectors, the Economic Survey said on Thursday.

North Bastar, Abujhmad Maoist-free: Chhattisgarh CM

North Bastar, Abujhmad Maoist-free: Chhattisgarh CM

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that North Bastar and Abujhmad regions are now free of Naxal violence, with the fight against Naxalism in South Bastar reaching a decisive phase. He attributes this success to trust-building measures and the surrender of Naxal cadres.

Duty hikes to dent cigarette volumes by 6-8% in FY27: Crisil Ratings

Duty hikes to dent cigarette volumes by 6-8% in FY27: Crisil Ratings

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The domestic cigarette industry is expected to see a 6-8 per cent volume contraction next fiscal following the imposition of additional excise duties and increase in goods and services tax (GST) rates from February 1, Crisil Ratings said on Wednesday.

India Is Seeing Dip In Foreign Tourists

India Is Seeing Dip In Foreign Tourists

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Foreign tourist arrivals in India dropped to 6.18 million during the April-September 2025 period against 7.06 million during the same period last year, which was a drop of 12.4 per cent.

Keeper heads late as Mourinho's Benfica hand Real big blow

Keeper heads late as Mourinho's Benfica hand Real big blow

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

For Mourinho, it was an emotional night at the Estadio da Luz, capped by an extraordinary 98th-minute header from Trubin that ensured Benfica snatched a last-16 spot on goal difference.

'Beggar' picked up from Indore street owns 3 houses, car, autos

'Beggar' picked up from Indore street owns 3 houses, car, autos

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

An anti-beggary drive in Indore, India, uncovered a leprosy-afflicted man who reportedly owns property worth several lakh rupees, including houses, a car, and autorickshaws, and earns interest by lending money.

How India Is Rewriting Its FTA Playbook

How India Is Rewriting Its FTA Playbook

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

India has been on an FTA-signing spree of late. Since 2021, it has signed eight trade agreements, three of which -- with the UK, Oman and New Zealand -- were finalised in 2025 alone.

AO 2026: Alcaraz stuns Djokovic to win first Australian Open

AO 2026: Alcaraz stuns Djokovic to win first Australian Open

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Carlos Alcaraz played dream-wrecker to Novak Djokovic again as he floored the record-chasing Serb 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 for a first Australian Open title and became the youngest man to win all four majors.

EPL: City collapse at Spurs; Man Utd keep winning streak

EPL: City collapse at Spurs; Man Utd keep winning streak

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Manchester City blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday as a moment of magic by home forward Dominic Solanke handed Arsenal a huge Premier League title boost.

Haier Launches H5E Series 4K Google TVs

Haier Launches H5E Series 4K Google TVs

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Haier's latest H5E range arrives in four sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch and 65-inch.

When live-in relationships fail, rape FIRs are lodged: HC

When live-in relationships fail, rape FIRs are lodged: HC

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

According to the prosecution, the appellant enticed away the informant's minor daughter on the pretext of marriage, took her to Bangalore and established a physical relationship.

India-US Deal Shields Farmers

India-US Deal Shields Farmers

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

New Delhi will substantially reduce tariffs on industrial and agricultural goods while continuing to protect sensitive sectors. Tariffs on some agricultural products that are not traditionally considered sensitive will be brought down to zero, while in the case of relatively sensitive items, duties will be reduced in a graded manner and quotas will be imposed.

Samson's homecoming as India sweat over Axar's fitness

Samson's homecoming as India sweat over Axar's fitness

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Sanju Samson seeks revival with home support as India manage injuries and combinations against New Zealand in the final T20I before the World Cup.

Real Madrid edge past Rayo Vallecano; PSG, Inter Milan win

Real Madrid edge past Rayo Vallecano; PSG, Inter Milan win

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

A penalty from Kylian Mbappe in the 10th minute of stoppage time rescued Real Madrid, giving them an agonising 2-1 victory over local rivals Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga.

How Alcaraz weathered Hanfmann barrage to advance in Melbourne

How Alcaraz weathered Hanfmann barrage to advance in Melbourne

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Alcaraz proves too strong after early Hanfmann scare in their 2nd round match at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Wednesday.

Bangladesh gears up for polls amidst political turmoil

Bangladesh gears up for polls amidst political turmoil

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Bangladesh is preparing for elections and a referendum on reforms, but the absence of the Awami League and rising political tensions are raising concerns about the legitimacy and stability of the process.